Home for the Holidays Initiative Brings Joyful Connections

In the spirit of giving and togetherness, the "Home for the Holidays" initiative, run by Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, successfully brought together international and out-of-province students with local community hosts. With the simple yet powerful goal of ensuring that no student spent the holidays alone, the initiative saw seven generous hosts from the Olds community who opened their homes to 16 participating Olds College students. 

Creating memorable moments of warmth and cultural exchange, some of the activities that took place included: holiday meals, wagon rides, visits to the Discovery Wildlife Park, Sundre and Airdrie to witness spectacular Christmas lights, and Christmas shopping at CrossIron Mills.

One of the participating students, Ryoichi, expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you very much for coordinating the Home for the Holidays. Being welcomed into a home for dinner was really nice for me, and I appreciate my host's hospitality." 

This sentiment echoed the overarching theme of the initiative – fostering a sense of belonging and creating meaningful connections between students and their local hosts. The initiative allowed students to experience the holiday traditions of their hosts and to celebrate the festive season, but was also an opportunity for everyone involved to share stories, traditions and create lasting memories together.

The Home for the Holidays initiative exemplified the spirit of community and kindness – showcasing the power of bringing people together, especially during a time when the warmth of human connection is paramount. The success of this program highlights the positive impact that simple acts of hospitality and inclusion can have on the lives of those who may be far from home during the holiday season. As the students return to their studies, the memories of these shared moments will undoubtedly linger, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond geographical boundaries.